South Korean Man Convicted for Evading Military Service

A 26-year-old South Korean man has been convicted of evading mandatory military service by intentionally gaining weight through binge eating, resulting in a body mass index that categorized him as fit only for non-combat roles. He received a one-year suspended sentence, while a friend who helped him devise a high-calorie meal plan was given a six-month suspended sentence. The man increased his food intake significantly before his physical examination, where he was initially deemed fit for combat duty but later assessed as obese. South Korea mandates military service for all able-bodied men over 18 for at least 18 months, underscoring the seriousness of the offense. The case highlights the lengths some individuals may go to in order to avoid military conscription.